Cost of Living in Madison, WI
Population 275,568 · Wisconsin · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Most of Madison's cost indicators track within a reasonable band of national figures, with median household incomes near $76,983 — a more representative starting point for relocation math than the headline-expensive or headline-cheap cities on either tail. An unemployment rate of 2.7% points to a labor market well on the tight side of the national distribution.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Madison
The median home value in Madison is $346,900 — 14% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,364/month, 4% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $76,983/year is 3% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.7%, below the national average of 4.8%. Wisconsin's top state income tax rate is 7.7% and the combined sales tax is 5.4%. The climate averages highs of 56.5°F and lows of 37.6°F, with about 51.8" of annual snowfall. Overall, Madison has a cost of living index of 110 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 10% more expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 27 | 31 | 44 | 57 | 69 | 79 | 82 | 80 | 73 | 60 | 45 | 32 |
| Low °F | 12 | 15 | 25 | 36 | 47 | 57 | 62 | 60 | 51 | 40 | 29 | 18 |
| Precip" | 1.47 | 1.52 | 2.26 | 3.78 | 4.10 | 5.28 | 4.51 | 4.16 | 3.43 | 2.77 | 2.22 | 1.63 |
| Snow" | 13.7 | 12.8 | 7.0 | 2.6 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.6 | 3.0 | 12.0 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Madison, WI?
Madison has a cost index of 110 (100 = national average). It is 10% above the national average.
What is average rent in Madison, WI?
The median gross rent in Madison is $1,364 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Madison?
The median home value in Madison is $346,900 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Madison?
The median household income in Madison is $76,983 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Madison, WI?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Madison is 5.4%. The Wisconsin state income tax top rate is 7.7%.
Is Madison, WI affordable?
Madison is near the national average in terms of cost of living, with an index of 110 (100 = US average).
What is the weather like in Madison?
Madison has average high temperatures of 56.5°F and average lows of 37.6°F. Annual precipitation is 37.1". Average annual snowfall is 51.8". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Madison at a Glance
- Population
- 275,568
- Median Income
- $76,983
- Home Value
- $346,900
- Median Rent
- $1,364/mo
- Unemployment
- 2.7%
- Avg High Temp
- 56.5°F
- Sales Tax
- 5.4%
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